Exclusive | Singer NIKO Talks Being Versatile as an Artist And Working on Her Debut EP
“I don’t want to be put in a box by society because the industry does enough of that. If you hear me singing R&B one day and Rock the next, mind your business.”
By: Omar Cook
This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is Detroit native and singer, NIKO! This artist brings a chill vibe to her music, with tracks you can vibe to at anytime. For the past few years NIKO was always featured on other's music and projects until she finally decided to take matters into her own hands. NIKO blends her aggressive attitude with her melodic voice while utilizing her skills in sheet music and songwriting. This a young artist who is doing music the right way; add her to your playlist!
We talked with NIKO in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
NIKO: Although I knew the creative realm was for me for a long time, I always wrote in middle school and then I started recording features once I got to highschool. However, it wasn't until 2018 that I finally recorded my written music.
Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?
NIKO: I’m most inspired by Jazmine Sullivan, Jhene Aiko, James Fauntleroy and Frank Ocean. I’ve always clinged to artists who never hesitated to get their point across regardless of the style.
What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?
NIKO: I would love to collaborate with Smino, Anderson Paak, James Fauntleroy and Ty Dolla $ign. All of them are very versatile, any song they touch is quality.
What do you feel is your best song/project ever released and why?
NIKO: Since I've only just started recording all of my creations are on Soundcloud, everyone's favorite sound by me is “Needed You”.
What projects can we look forward to in the near future?
NIKO: I’m currently working on an EP, I'm still unsure of the title. I want it to be perfect, for my first official project.
How do you generate new ideas for your music?
NIKO: I don't have a set process when generating new ideas for music, some ideas come from how I’m feeling in that moment. Most times I'll listen to the beat and hum different melodies then insert keywords I hear.
What motivates you and how do you define success?
NIKO: As cliche as it sounds, my source of motivation comes from my hometown, Detroit. I'm from a city where the history of music is monumental and talent is everywhere. Success is more than just having commas in your bank account but also being mentally stable and satisfied with the hard work you've put in.
How do you describe your music to people and what separates you from other artists in your genre?
NIKO: My music is nice nasty, I don't mind to hear a soothing beat and snapping on it. I like to think I bring a contrast to my music. I want people to hear the beat and expect me to sing a certain way about a specific subject and it turns out completely different.
Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?
NIKO: Not necessarily formulas sound so strict, I think strategies are the key to being a successful artist. It's all about that individual artist and their goal and purpose. Being in a creative realm should never have limitations or rules.
Who is your greatest inspiration?
NIKO: My greatest inspiration is my grandmother Joyce, though she's been without us for a few years and I lost her way before I started taking music serious. I can still feel her tough love from here. I like to think she's helping God clear the debris from my path to allow me to become the highest version of myself.
In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
NIKO: Rihanna is so bossy, not only is she musically complex but she makes boss moves and makes sure her bag is solidified.
Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
NIKO: It's a merge of anger and passion because majority of my anger comes from a place of passion.
What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
NIKO: I had to take a break from school, because it was too time consuming for me. I do plan to go back in the future, but right now I figured why not work on plan A first and then go back to plan B.
What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
NIKO: The same thing that excites me most is the same thing that worries me sometimes, which is being an open book and singing about my deepest emotions. However, I'm aware that it is necessary to reach the goal I've set for myself, I choose to be that voice for the speechless.
Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
NIKO: I see myself recording and touring with many different talents and mentoring a younger musically inclined generation. I plan to be more than just an artist or vocalist, there's so much more I want to accomplish even outside of music.
What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?
NIKO: Patience IS a virtue. Nothing comes overnight and if you believe you deserve it then never allow the waiting game to deter you. Hone AND own your material. Perfect your craft while you wait because there's always work to be done.
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